Summer has arrived!Program update

The summer solstice came and went, officially welcoming summer to Missouri. And we couldn't be more thrilled! While we're enjoying the great weather and fun activities summer has in store for us, we wanted to catch up on all our success in 2015. After all, 2015 was quite a year to be an Ameren Missouri Pure Power customer.

From the city of Maplewood becoming an EPA Green Power Community (the fourth Missouri community to do so!) to 15 new local Pure Power businesses enrolling, our customers made 2015 a year that won't be soon forgotten.

Even better? Ameren Missouri Pure Power customers (that means you!) supported 56,588,000 kWh of renewable energy from a Missouri wind farm in 2015. That's equivalent to reducing your carbon footprint from electricity use by 97,313,251 pounds of CO2 or taking 9,292 cars off the road (source). And it was all done with clean wind energy made in Missouri. Now, that's something to be proud of.

We can't thank you enough for your commitment to a better world. Your participation in the Ameren Missouri Pure Power program not only reduces your carbon footprint, but helps sustain local, clean-energy producers. By helping build the green economy in our region, you are investing in a sustainable Missouri future.

The Pure Power Team

Renewable Energy Certificates

Why are they valuable?

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), also known as Renewable Energy Credits, are proof that one megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy was generated and delivered to the regional power pool. They represent the environmental benefits (not the actual renewable electricity) of the power produced, acting as a tracking mechanism to ensure that no two customers pay for the same unit of renewable energy generation.

Historically, regulated electric utilities were required by law to provide customers with the lowest-cost energy. While that protected the customer from high energy costs, it also made it more difficult for renewable energy facilities to enter the market. While many organizations were interested in supporting renewables beyond what their utilities were able to source, there was no easy way for those customers to support renewable energy.

RECs were created in the late 1990’s to provide an easy way for organizations and individuals to support renewable energy. When you buy RECs, an additional income stream to renewable energy project developers is created that helps bolster the renewable energy industry. It proves that renewable energy was generated and added to the power grid and it allows the REC purchaser to claim the environmental benefits of renewable energy. The incremental income provided by the REC market is one instrument that helps make renewable energy projects feasible.

In 2014 alone, 743,000 customers across the nation were participating in approximately 850 utility green pricing programs similar to Pure Power. The more RECs that are sold, the more demand is created for renewable energy. As renewable facilities sell their RECs, demand shifts to bring more renewable energy sources online. By enrolling in Pure Power, you’ve joined thousands of customers across the nation in supporting the growth of renewable energy.

Summer has arrived!Program update

The summer solstice came and went, officially welcoming summer to Missouri. And we couldn't be more thrilled! While we're enjoying the great weather and fun activities summer has in store for us, we wanted to catch up on all our success in 2015. After all, 2015 was quite a year to be an Ameren Missouri Pure Power customer.

From the city of Maplewood becoming an EPA Green Power Community (the fourth Missouri community to do so!) to 15 new local Pure Power businesses enrolling, our customers made 2015 a year that won't be soon forgotten.

Even better? Ameren Missouri Pure Power customers (that means you!) supported 56,588,000 kWh of renewable energy from a Missouri wind farm in 2015. That's equivalent to reducing your carbon footprint from electricity use by 97,313,251 pounds of CO2 or taking 9,292 cars off the road (source). And it was all done with clean wind energy made in Missouri. Now, that's something to be proud of.

We can't thank you enough for your commitment to a better world. Your participation in the Ameren Missouri Pure Power program not only reduces your carbon footprint, but helps sustain local, clean-energy producers. By helping build the green economy in our region, you are investing in a sustainable Missouri future.

The Pure Power Team

Renewable Energy Certificates

Why are they valuable?

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), also known as Renewable Energy Credits, are proof that one megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy was generated and delivered to the regional power pool. They represent the environmental benefits (not the actual renewable electricity) of the power produced, acting as a tracking mechanism to ensure that no two customers pay for the same unit of renewable energy generation.

Historically, regulated electric utilities were required by law to provide customers with the lowest-cost energy. While that protected the customer from high energy costs, it also made it more difficult for renewable energy facilities to enter the market. While many organizations were interested in supporting renewables beyond what their utilities were able to source, there was no easy way for those customers to support renewable energy.

RECs were created in the late 1990’s to provide an easy way for organizations and individuals to support renewable energy. When you buy RECs, an additional income stream to renewable energy project developers is created that helps bolster the renewable energy industry. It proves that renewable energy was generated and added to the power grid and it allows the REC purchaser to claim the environmental benefits of renewable energy. The incremental income provided by the REC market is one instrument that helps make renewable energy projects feasible.

In 2014 alone, 743,000 customers across the nation were participating in approximately 850 utility green pricing programs similar to Pure Power. The more RECs that are sold, the more demand is created for renewable energy. As renewable facilities sell their RECs, demand shifts to bring more renewable energy sources online. By enrolling in Pure Power, you’ve joined thousands of customers across the nation in supporting the growth of renewable energy.

Season of change.Program update

Seasons are changing and we are excited to officially welcome autumn to Missouri.

Speaking of change, we can't wait to tell you about all the great change that's been happening at Ameren Missouri Pure Power! From the city of Maplewood becoming an EPA Green Power Community to new Pure Power businesses, we're flying into fall at full speed. And it's because of YOU.

The city of Maplewood kicked off their Green Power Community Challenge in May and surpassed their goal (to match three percent of the city's energy usage with green energy) in record time! Maplewood is now collectively supporting 7,257,719 kWh of green power annually, which is enough renewable energy to meet six percent of the community's total electricity use! With this tremendous achievement, Maplewood became the fourth city in Missouri to become an EPA Green Power Community!

We can't thank you enough for your commitment to a better world. Your participation in the Ameren Missouri Pure Power program not only reduces your carbon footprint, but helps sustain local, independent clean-energy producers. By helping build the green economy in our region, you are investing in real change - a clean, green, sustainable Missouri future.

The Pure Power Team

Maplewood: Mission complete

City earns national green power recognition

The city of Maplewood is celebrating its new, official status as an EPA Green Power Community! Over the past four months, Maplewood was on a mission: to match three percent of its citywide energy consumption with green energy. But, instead of taking the full year - what the EPA Green Power Community Challenge allows - the city far exceeded its original goal in only a few short months. In fact, Maplewood achieved this Green Power Community distinction faster than any other Missouri city!

In May, the Maplewood City Council announced a proclamation to launch the EPA Green Power Community Challenge, urging residents and businesses to make a commitment to renewable energy by:

By the end of the challenge, the city ended up matching over six percent of Maplewood's energy usage with green energy (and participation is still growing)! The environmental impact of matching six percent of the city's energy use with green energy is equivalent to reducing the city's carbon footprint by 13,380,331 pounds of carbon dioxide each year or taking 1,278 cars off the road every year.

City officials (including Mayor White) and EPA representatives held a victory celebration in September in conjunction with the Zwanze Day Spillover Celebration, where they officially announced Maplewood as an EPA Green Power Community (and said "cheers" over a Belgian beer!)

Maplewood is the fourth Missouri city to earn the EPA Green Power Community distinction - an honor which only 60 communities across the nation hold.

Energy 101

How does the grid work?

The US electric grid is made up of three major complex grids that provide energy to over 300 million residents. Together, the three grids operate as a giant one-way energy highway. Electricity moves from energy centers to high voltage transmission lines, then to lower voltage power lines, which distribute the electricity to homes, schools, businesses and neighborhood streets.

Energy centers, no matter what resource they use to make electricity, feed into the same grid - the energy mixes together, and flows out from the grid as needed. This co-mingling of energy sources ensures a reliable flow of power, even if one source of power goes out or temporarily shuts down. For example, if the wind stops blowing, there is still enough energy coming from other power sources to satisfy demand. Having diversified energy sources helps the grid remain reliable.

Today, it is becoming more common to add power through what is called “distributed generation”. Distributed generation refers to power that is produced at smaller-scale projects located closer to the end user, rather than large remote energy centers. Distributed generation might include small-scale wind farms, natural gas turbines, or rooftop solar on a local school or business. Although these projects can't produce enough electricity to power the entire neighborhood or area, distributed generation resources work with the large energy centers to provide a diverse mix of power to meet customer electricity needs around the clock.

Season of change.Program update

Seasons are changing and we are excited to officially welcome autumn to Missouri.

Speaking of change, we can't wait to tell you about all the great change that's been happening at Ameren Missouri Pure Power! From the city of Maplewood becoming an EPA Green Power Community to new Pure Power businesses, we're flying into fall at full speed. And it's because of YOU.

The city of Maplewood kicked off their Green Power Community Challenge in May and surpassed their goal (to match three percent of the city's energy usage with green energy) in record time! Maplewood is now collectively supporting 7,257,719 kWh of green power annually, which is enough renewable energy to meet six percent of the community's total electricity use! With this tremendous achievement, Maplewood became the fourth city in Missouri to become an EPA Green Power Community!

We can't thank you enough for your commitment to a better world. Your participation in the Ameren Missouri Pure Power program not only reduces your carbon footprint, but helps sustain local, independent clean-energy producers. By helping build the green economy in our region, you are investing in real change - a clean, green, sustainable Missouri future.

The Pure Power Team

Maplewood: Mission complete

City earns national green power recognition

The city of Maplewood is celebrating its new, official status as an EPA Green Power Community! Over the past four months, Maplewood was on a mission: to match three percent of its citywide energy consumption with green energy. But, instead of taking the full year - what the EPA Green Power Community Challenge allows - the city far exceeded its original goal in only a few short months. In fact, Maplewood achieved this Green Power Community distinction faster than any other Missouri city!

In May, the Maplewood City Council announced a proclamation to launch the EPA Green Power Community Challenge, urging residents and businesses to make a commitment to renewable energy by:

By the end of the challenge, the city ended up matching over six percent of Maplewood's energy usage with green energy (and participation is still growing)! The environmental impact of matching six percent of the city's energy use with green energy is equivalent to reducing the city's carbon footprint by 13,380,331 pounds of carbon dioxide each year or taking 1,278 cars off the road every year.

City officials (including Mayor White) and EPA representatives held a victory celebration in September in conjunction with the Zwanze Day Spillover Celebration, where they officially announced Maplewood as an EPA Green Power Community (and said "cheers" over a Belgian beer!)

Maplewood is the fourth Missouri city to earn the EPA Green Power Community distinction - an honor which only 60 communities across the nation hold.

Energy 101

How does the grid work?

The US electric grid is made up of three major complex grids that provide energy to over 300 million residents. Together, the three grids operate as a giant one-way energy highway. Electricity moves from energy centers to high voltage transmission lines, then to lower voltage power lines, which distribute the electricity to homes, schools, businesses and neighborhood streets.

Energy centers, no matter what resource they use to make electricity, feed into the same grid - the energy mixes together, and flows out from the grid as needed. This co-mingling of energy sources ensures a reliable flow of power, even if one source of power goes out or temporarily shuts down. For example, if the wind stops blowing, there is still enough energy coming from other power sources to satisfy demand. Having diversified energy sources helps the grid remain reliable.

Today, it is becoming more common to add power through what is called “distributed generation”. Distributed generation refers to power that is produced at smaller-scale projects located closer to the end user, rather than large remote energy centers. Distributed generation might include small-scale wind farms, natural gas turbines, or rooftop solar on a local school or business. Although these projects can't produce enough electricity to power the entire neighborhood or area, distributed generation resources work with the large energy centers to provide a diverse mix of power to meet customer electricity needs around the clock.

Waste less, Get paid

Saving energy can be as simple as changing a lightbulb! When Ameren Missouri customers (that means you!) make energy saving improvements (think lights, power strips, heating/cooling systems), you can get cold, hard cash in your pocket. Ameren Missouri offers a variety of energy efficiency programs to help you take control and manage your energy use. Even better? Discounts on these products are available - from instant rebates on CFLs, to FREE refrigerator and freezer recycling, to rebates on energy efficient air conditioners. What could be better than savings, on top of savings (while saving the environment)?

Pure Powered
Local Businesses

SPECIAL THANKS to the following businesses / organizations for becoming Pure Powered:

Share the Power of going Pure.

Connect with like-minded friends and family and share the value of going Pure Power! For only a few dollars more per month, Ameren Missouri Pure Power is an easy, affordable way to have a positive impact on the environment today - and everyday.

When you join Pure Power, you reduce your carbon footprint and help support a cleaner, greener future. Invite your friends & family to join Pure Power today!

2015 has been a busy year at Ameren Missouri Pure Power and we are thrilled to officially welcome summer to Missouri (even though it's already sweltering).

Because of you, 4,381 participating Ameren Missouri households and businesses supported 63,792,000 kWh of renewable electricity in 2014 - enough to power 4,907 average homes with 100% Missouri wind energy for a year! Real impact? Ameren Missouri Pure Power customers who participated in the program in 2014 reduced their carbon footprint from electricity use by 134,983,872 pounds of CO2 per year, similar to taking 12, 891 cars off the road for a year or planting 50,187 acres of forest!

We've continued this momentum in 2015 and have already had great success. We had a great kick-off to Outreach with Earth Day week, where we attended several exciting corporate and community Earth Day events. The city of Maplewood, home to our most recent Green Power Community Challenge, kicked off their Challenge on May 27 and the excitement was palpable. In the coming months, you'll find our Pure Power outreach posse hitting the streets of Maplewood talking to folks about the value of "going green."

We can't thank you enough for your commitment to a better world. Voluntary participation in green power programs across the region is integral to increasing renewable energy in the power supply. By helping build the green economy in our region, you are investing in a clean, green, sustainable future.

City strives to earn national recognition

The City of Maplewood is on a mission: to match three percent of its city-wide energy consumption with green energy. Through a year-long EPA Green Power Community Challenge, the City is urging residents and businesses to join the momentum by "going green." Becoming an EPA Green Power Community will bring local and national attention to the city, while reducing the city’s carbon footprint by 6,089,716 pounds of CO2 each year - the same as taking 582 cars off the road each year.

Mayor White urges residents and businesses to participate in Maplewood’s Green Power Community Challenge. “The City of Maplewood takes its role as a steward of the environment seriously. We are one of the most walkable communities in the state and have many public transportation options - from bicycle paths, to bus routes, to light rail stations. The Maplewood Green Power Community Challenge allows us to establish goals for reducing our carbon footprint and provides a guideline on how to accomplish those goals,” says Mayor White.

Between now and the end of 2015, Maplewood's Sustainability Commission will team up with Ameren Missouri Pure Power and Microgrid Energy to educate the community about green power, promoting community pride and engagement in conservation efforts.

“The EPA recognizes communities that go above and beyond in supporting green energy and when Maplewood achieves the goal, they will be the fourth community in Missouri to have earned this designation,” said Kathleen Engel, Partnership Manager for Ameren Missouri Pure Power. “To put it in perspective, there are only about 50 communities across the nation that have become Green Power Communities.”

Learn more about the Community Challenge and how you and/or your business can participate by contacting Debra Pottinger, Maplewood Green Power Community Challenge Chairperson, at: mogpc@3degreesinc.com

Pure Power Perks!As a Pure Power customer, you're helping "green the grid" by supporting 100% Missouri green power. Because you're making a difference, your friends at Pure Power want to thank you. Pure powered businesses in the St. Louis area are offering ongoing deals and discounts that will save you money while supporting your community's commitment to "going green"!

Just CLICK, SELECT, and PRINT to enjoy Pure Power Perks on hot local products and deals! And don't forget, check back often for new Pure Power Perks.

The holiday season is here again and Ameren Missouri Pure Power wants to take this opportunity to thank you for your support over the past year. Together, we’ve made a difference for our environment and communities.

Join the Ameren Missouri Pure Power team at the fifth annual Green Ball to benefit the EarthWays Center at the Moonrise Hotel, Friday, November 14, 2014. Tickets may be purchased at the event website or by calling 314-577-5118. It will be a evening of food, fashion, and philanthropy. We hope to see you there!

Everyone loves the holidays - especially the parties with all the beautiful lights. Did you know that you can offset the power consumed at your event with a one time purchase of Pure Power? Find out how on at mypurepower.com.

Pure Power isn’t the only program Ameren Missouri offers to help you sustain a greener lifestyle. The energy efficiency program, ActOnEnergy.com, helps empower customers through programs, rebates, tools, and resources so you can better manage your energy usage and utility bills. Act On Energy is the largest portfolio of residential and business energy efficiency programs in Missouri’s history. From instant rebates on CFLs, to FREE refrigerator/freezer recycling, to rebates on energy efficient air conditioners, ActOnEnergy.comhelps you save – without sacrificing comfort!

About Pure Power

Ameren Missouri Pure Power is an easy, affordable way to havea positive impact on the environment today—and every day. Pure Power allows Ameren Missouri customers to choose to support local renewable energy, like wind power, by purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

Across Missouri we enjoyed a fantastic summer, full of warm, sunny weather. Perfect for taking advantage of everything our state has to offer and we hope you had the opportunity to get outdoors!

One of the best parts of having a program like Ameren Missouri Pure Power is the opportunity to connect so closely with communities around our state and this summer was no different. Our focus this year has been on the city of Webster Groves, home to our most recent Green Power Community Challenge. Webster Groves recently met their goal, earning the title of Missouri’s third Green Power Community. Getting the national spotlight on Missouri’s clean energy leadership is one reason why the Pure Power team is committed to managing more community challenges in 2015. Stay tuned for what cities will become center stage next year.

Typically most of our team’s interaction happens at community events. However, this year we hosted our first-ever business appreciation event in Creve Coeur. It was a great opportunity to meet business members of Pure Power and learn more about their commitment to Missouri’s growing wind industry.

Finally, as we ramp up for the holiday shopping season, don’t forget to use your Pure Power Perks. In addition to the new one in this newsletter you’ll find more at mypurepower.com. Please use the Perks, not only to save money but to also let businesses know choosing clean power is important to you as a consumer.

Missouri's newest Green Power Community

Since the town accepted a challenge to become a Green Power Community last October, 240 new households have signed up for Ameren Missouri’s Pure Power program, making 455 homes overall and an impressive 21 homes have installed solar. In doing so, Webster Groves is the latest Missouri community to become a Green Power Community! With these standings, Webster Groves is currently matching 3.37 percent of its energy with clean, green power. That is equivalent to preventing almost 11,109,620 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere and is the same as taking 1,061 cars off the road for a year.

The community recently celebrated the accomplishment along with representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency at the Hawken House. During the ceremony Mayor Gerry Welch and Steve Wylie, City Manager, received the official award designating Webster Groves as a Green Power Community, the third in Missouri.

Ameren Missouri Pure Power would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for joining residential customers in this challenge, by purchasing renewable energy certificates through Pure Power or another source: Big Sky Café, Christ the King Covenant Church, 1st Congregational Church of Webster Groves, Freddie's Market, Hub Bicycle Company, Naturally Pure Salon, Straub's Market, The Healthy Planet, Verde Kids, Weber's Front Row, and Webster Groves School District.

Pure Power would also like to recognize the following businesses and organizations for making a huge commitment to the community by installing solar as part of the challenge: Llewellyn’s Pub, Ross & Baruzzini, Straub’s Market, Webster Gardens Lutheran Church, Webster University and the Webster Groves Service Center.

The Green Power team, Ameren Missouri Pure Power and Microgrid Energy, congratulate Webster Groves on this exciting accomplishment!

Creve Coeur earns international recognition

The community of Creve Coeur recently accepted the Community Renewables Project of the Year award from Interstate Renewable Energy Council (iREC). The award was announced at Solar Power International, an annual conference focused on advancing renewable energy. Won through popular vote, this award recognizes achievement in the advancement of renewable energy use through an innovative approach by a community.

“I am thrilled that so many stakeholders in our City came together to meet this goal - making this truly a community-wide effort and achievement,” said Mayor Barry L. Glantz. Residents and businesses earned the award through collaborative participation in a community challenge. Locals had two ways to participate: enroll in Ameren Missouri Pure Power, or any other renewable energy certificate program, or by installing solar panels on their property.

To date, the businesses and residents of Creve Coeur are supporting 15,390,128 kWh of green energy annually. That's equivalent to 10,612 metric tons or 23,396,068 lbs of CO2. An outstanding 160 homes and 10 businesses are purchasing renewable energy certificates, while 26 homes and 10 businesses installed solar panels on their property.

In 2013 the community reached 3.77 percent use of renewable energy - surpassing the original 3 percent goal. Upon completion of the challenge, the city of Creve Coeur became the second EPA Green Power Community in Missouri, and the fifth in the Midwest. With this international recognition, Creve Coeur has set a new standard for Green Power Community Challenges in Missouri, and Ameren Missouri could not be prouder to be part of it.